Livestock depredation by snow leopard and Tibetan wolf: Implications for herders’ livelihoods in Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Bhutan

摘要: Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a serious problem in many parts of the world, and Bhutan’s Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP) no exception. Located remote alpine areas eastern Himalaya, wildlife species such as snow leopard (SL) Tibetan wolf (TW) are reported to kill livestock Park. Such depredation believed have affected livelihoods high-altitude herding communities, resulting conflicts between them. This study provides analysis on extent by predators SL TW examines its implications for communities Choekhortoe Dhur regions WCNP. Using semi-structured questionnaires, all herders (n = 38) area were interviewed. The questions pertained population, frequency income lost due last five years from 2012 2016. recorded 2,815 heads area, with an average herd size 74.1 stock. holding showed decreasing trend over years, one reasons cited other predators. loss equated annual financial equivalent 10.2% (US$837) their total per capita cash income. losses resulted negative impacts herders’ livelihood; e.g. six (2012-2016) even stopped rearing resorted alternate source intensification programmes, including pasture improvement through allowing controlled burning, compensation, may be some potential short-term solutions reduce Issuing permits cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) collection only instilling sense stewardship highland long-term solutions.